Linda Lou (Marple) McKnight
Age 81, passed away June 4, 2022. She was born June 7, 1940, in Lansing, to Hiram and Laura Marple, who preceded her in death. Linda graduated from East Lansing High School and attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She worked as a Reading Paraprofessional at Donley Elementary School in East Lansing. Linda loved spending time with family and friends, and loved her time at the family summer home in northern Michigan. Linda and Robert “Bob” were high school sweethearts. They were a dynamic duo and supported each other through the highs and lows of life. Just the two of them could converse for hours around a variety of topics from golf tournaments to recipes. They especially loved being together with family and friends.
Linda adored her time with her grandchildren. She called them The Dessert of Life. They affectionately referred to her as Amma. Linda also treasured time with her girlfriends. Linda took pleasure in serving others which included setting the stage for tradition filled holidays and preparing their cottage and home for visitors. She was always kind in sharing of her time in pleasant conversation. Linda had a happy smile and giving heart.
Surviving are: her husband of 61 years, Robert McKnight; son, Andrew (Joseph) McKnight; daughters, Katherine (Brad) Bartell and Molly (Scott) Carney; 4 grandchildren, Lily Bartell, Paul Carney, Peter Carney and Maggie Carney.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2022, at St. John Catholic Church & Student Center, 327 M.A.C Ave., East Lansing (metered parking is available in the parking ramps). Her family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 p.m. until service time on Thursday. The Family would like to invite friends and family to a gathering immediately following the ceremony at Eagle Eye Golf Club – The Eagle’s Nest Room, 15500 Chandler Road, Bath Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Linda McKnight Book Fund (checks payable to WDSA, and list the fund name on the memo line), C/O William Donley School Association, 2961 East Lake Lansing Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, in memory of Linda McKnight.
16 Messages to “Linda Lou (Marple) McKnight”
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Patsy Brandstatter
June 6, 2022 at 11:05 amWhat beautiful picture of a beautiful person who is now with the Lord and no longer in pain. We will have girls week up there soon I’m sure! Art and I love you so much and are praying for Bob and the kids.
Pam Smiadak
June 6, 2022 at 12:42 pmI’m so fortunate that I got to work with Linda for many years and see her outside of the school setting. What a joyous person she was. She loved her family so much and I hope that gives you some comfort during this difficult time. RIP Linda, you were loved and you will be missed.
Carolyn and Ken Rauscher
June 6, 2022 at 2:10 pmLinda was a beautiful person in all ways and a treasured friend to our family. She is at peace now and will live on in our minds and hearts always. Our prayers go out to Bob, the kids, the grandchildren, and all who loved her and will miss her greatly!
Sue Goodenough
June 6, 2022 at 4:47 pmSummers at Chula Vista were always made even more special with Linda in my life. She always wanted to know what I was up to and supported me through my many hills and valleys. I will miss her kindness and warm hugs. My prayers are with the entire family at the loss of this amazing lady.
Amy Wilkinson Sylvain
June 6, 2022 at 6:43 pmA passion for life and a kind soul. Linda will be missed by many. Not many people have lifelong friends as she did. I am sending prayers to the family.
Capt Bob Goodenough
June 6, 2022 at 6:45 pmHistory repeats itself. I loved hearing Hi and Mac tell their stories and then Laura and Eva visit together.
For many years Linda came to our cottage to visit with Carol Sue. Such wonderful people and memories. I’ll never forget any of them.
I hope to live up to their examples.
Todd Simonds
June 6, 2022 at 10:08 pmOne of the golden girls who made ‘50-‘60 Chula Vista life seem like the best place and time. I smile every time I think of her.
Pat Schmidt
June 7, 2022 at 4:12 pmSuch a beautiful person to have the privilege of caring for at Vista Springs Timber Ridge. Linda always had a smile, thank you & I love you for her caregivers. That meant a lot to me and she will be dearly missed. I am appreciative of the time that I got to know and love her. Heaven gained another beautiful soul. Until we meet again Linda you will be remembered and missed.
Marissa Toney
June 7, 2022 at 6:40 pmI had the honor to care for Linda at VSTR. She was the kindest, most compassionate patient I have ever had. She always had a smile on no matter what was on her mind. She was truly sent from above. The time we had together will not be forgotten. Rest Easy Linda, I love you so much.
Rosie (Allen/Simonds) Flowers
June 7, 2022 at 10:33 pmLinda will always hold a very dear place in my heart. She was always there with a listening ear, warm hugs, and a kind smile. And s’mores, of course. Sending all my love.
Dia Melhotra
June 7, 2022 at 10:46 pmMy heart is very broken. I had the privilege of getting to know Linda through VSTR. She was someone I looked forward to seeing all the time. Her smile made all your troubles disappear. She was the light in my day so many times. Her attitude and heart will never leave me. It was my sincerest pleasure to know her and spend time with her. Linda, you are in my heart always. She was family to me. Rest well.
Jane Ryan
June 9, 2022 at 1:11 amLinda was a graduate of ELHS Class of 1958 and had MANY friends in her class, many of
whom went through grade and middle school with her, and so many will miss her and have felt so sad about the pain and discomfort she has been suffering from for months.
We hope her husband and family realize what a wonderful friend she was to her classmates and how much we admired the way she handled many medical challenges in her lifetime.
We share your loss and please accept our sympathy. Jane Ryan, ELHS Class of 1958
Marian (Nacke) Smith
June 12, 2022 at 11:52 amI just learned of Linda’s passing today. I remember fondly living next door to you and all the happy memories of holidays and summer get-togethers. Bob, Andy, Kitty and Molly, please accept my deepest sympathy in this great loss to you. All of you were the greatest neighbors I’ve enjoyed during my tenure in East Lansing. God bless.
Steve Parks
June 12, 2022 at 6:08 pmMy sincere condolences Bob
Paula Thomas
June 12, 2022 at 6:44 pmI am just learning through my daughter Lisa about Linda’s funeral and was so sad to miss this day. I too was a reading para but never had the chance to be in the same school where Linda was! She was the most upbeat…even in hard times…person I have ever met! She always found the good in people and met difficult circumstances head on. You have lost a beautiful person and if u look at the night sky she will be the brightest star. Your loss is great for sure but u now have a straight line to heaven …..and she will answer! My sorrow for your whole family and may God help u through in the days ahead. Paula Thomas
Jacqueline Schram-Bohringer
June 13, 2022 at 7:06 pmBob so sorry for your loss, I just found out she had passed. I will keep you in my prayers take care